Parliament is preparing to press ahead with amendments to the decades-old Advertising Law, as MPs meet on Tuesday to debate final changes cleared by the Shura Council ahead of referral to His Majesty King Hamad for ratification.
The proposed amendments to Decree-Law No (14) of 1973 aim to overhaul the regulation of advertising in Bahrain, bringing it in line with the scale, complexity and digital reach of today’s market, while introducing tougher penalties and stronger enforcement powers.
Public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman MP Mohammed Al Bulooshi said the reforms were long overdue, warning that the existing framework no longer reflects reality on the ground.
“The advertising sector today is completely different from what it was more than 50 years ago,” he said. “We are dealing with digital platforms, illuminated signage and a massive expansion in advertising activity, and this requires a modern legal framework that protects public safety and Bahrain’s visual identity.”
The draft law replaces and amends key articles of the 1973 legislation, expanding definitions to cover modern advertising formats and giving the Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry clearer authority to inspect, regulate and remove violations.
Penalties have been significantly increased. Under the revised Article 16, offenders could face imprisonment and fines ranging from BD1,000 to BD20,000 for violations including unlicensed advertising, submitting false information to obtain permits, obstructing inspectors or using illegal methods to secure authorisation. Courts will also be required to order the removal of illegal advertisements and compel violators to restore affected sites at their own expense.
Article 17 raises the fine for damaging licensed advertisements from BD50 to BD1,000, reflecting the need for penalties that act as a real deterrent.
One of the most notable changes allows the minister, subject to Cabinet approval, to delegate certain technical or support tasks to specialised entities. MPs stressed that this does not amount to privatisation of the sector.
“Regulation and licensing remain firmly with the ministry,” Mr Al Bulooshi said. “Delegation is limited to support functions aimed at speeding up procedures and improving efficiency, similar to what we see in construction licensing.”
The bill has already been endorsed by the Capital Trustees Board and municipal councils across the kingdom.
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